23-Episode 23 Slaves Join the Party




 In my memory, the town of Erentos was just another small city in the countryside. I had assumed that it was just a small town that was having a private party for fun, but in fact, the Elentos that appeared before me had developed in a completely different way than I remembered.
 The strange sight of all the large mansions in the city confused me, and I wondered how it could have developed so much in seventeen years.

"Are you sure you're okay, looking so grim? Celestia looked at me with disgust from the seat across from me.

 In the carriage on the way to the house where the party was to be held, Celestia seemed to be excited about her first dress in a long time, but she was unhappy that I, her partner, was behaving in such a carefree manner.

Oh, no problem. I was just thinking that the party might be bigger than I imagined," I replied, abandoning my thoughts.

I thought you'd be nervous about your first party.

 Seretia said teasingly, flashing her white teeth.
 But if you look closely, you'll see that, unlike her expression, her fists are clenched tightly and trembling slightly.
 I'm not sure what to make of this. I made a prediction.
 If you think about it like that, there is a possibility that I, a slave, will be greatly embarrassed if my partner is a slave, so I thought it was rather cute to show my strength like this.

You look great in your dress, Celestia. There's nothing to worry about.

 The moment I said that, Celestia's shoulders twitched.

"Oh, really? I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that," she said, turning her head out the window.

 The red dress was purchased from a store she found in Erentos. The color is subdued and the tailoring is good.
 The fact that this level of quality is commonly available in this town indicates that this town is not only a place of appearance, but also a place where people with money gather. I could have used the money I received when I saved the man from Cassandra's kingdom, but it was not a cheap purchase.

We're almost there," said a spirited voice from Seretia.

 The carriage came to a stop and a large stone building came into view.
 A simplified version of the Ditland family crest, a winged dragon, hangs proudly on the wall.

"You disgrace to the House of Ditland. ......

Walth, did you say something?

No, nothing. ...... I'm just a little nervous to see this guard.

 There are only two receptionists at the entrance of the building, but a large number of guards are stationed around the building. Celestia also saw this and said, "That's how big the crowd is going to be. If this is the case, Neya and the others will have to wait a long way away," she said with some concern.

 I let Celestia put her hand on my arm, and I presented my ID to the receptionist at the door. As I expected, the two receptionists' expressions clouded.

"Do you know ...... the Londobros from the Kingdom of Eurasia, or do you know ---- them? The man at the desk asked the other.

I remember most of the countries, but I don't know any of them. ---- But your ID looks real," the man confirmed, and then changed his tune.

I'm very sorry about this. Please come on in.

 I presented the ID issued by the guild, so there was no doubt about it.
 I patted myself on the chest and walked forward, but Celestia's legs felt a little heavy.

"What's wrong? I paused.

 Celestia said, "Nothing," but I could see that she was getting a little teary-eyed. I could understand her frustration if she was repeatedly confronted with the fact that her country was not known. But the fact that I can't feel that emotion is probably because I'm not aware enough of the fact that I've become a member of the Eurasian Kingdom. I'd like to change my mind about this, he said, pulling Celestia's arm a little closer and stepping forward again.

 There were already dozens of men and women in the hall, their gorgeous costumes and ugly figures boasting about their countries.
 The center of the room, one level down, was reserved for dancing, and the tables around it were filled with standing meals. Some of them could be seen sitting down to enjoy their meals.

"Are all these people royalty or nobility? Celestia looked around curiously.

 From what I've seen, there are some royalty and nobility, but only a few, and most of them are definitely people who have risen to power through money. Many of them are crude, their clothes are unpolished, and they spend money in vain.

They look different. Many of them have made a fortune in business.

"Hmm, well, I don't care either way. I'd like to get this over with as soon as possible.

 Celestia's impression of the people here was not good, and she gave a good answer.
 I'm still young and inexperienced, but you seem to have a good eye for detail, and that makes me feel good.

"Well, let's get some information.

 After the partner bragging was over, the people here went their separate ways.
 I also decided that it was easier for me to act alone, so I asked Celestia to stay for dinner and act alone. If it's just a conversation, there's no problem with Celestia alone. The only time it would be a problem is if the dancing started. Even if you look at it from a favorable point of view, you can't find a woman more beautiful than Celestia in this group, so no matter how childish Celestia is, she is sure to be courted by several men. It would be too conspicuous to refuse.

I'm going to go talk to them. I'm going to go talk to them, and you can wait there and have a nice meal.

"That's a nice suggestion," said Celestia as she quickly made her way to the table.

But if the dancing starts, before the man makes a pass at you, well, ...... hide behind that pillar," I pointed to the pillar closest to the entrance door.

"All right. I'll make sure to hide so that Walth doesn't get jealous," Celestia said with a mischievous smile.

"What? That's not what ...... is for, dude.

 Without hearing a word I said, Celestia headed off to eat.